These titles are longer chapter books often with more challenging themes and plotlines. Best-suited to more confident readers aged 9+
If you’re after a festive read with a twist, look no further…, “When Masen, Conor and Joss wake up in the caravan on Christmas morning, a chill of unease fills the air. Their presents sit untouched in the house across the way, but their parents are nowhere to be found. Outside, a blizzard rages. Families … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Silent Night,’ by Emma Read, cover by Tom Clohosy Cole.
Let me introduce you to something truly terrifying… “If you go down to the woods today, you’re in for a nasty surprise … Seeking creepy thrills instead of candy, Cody and his friends set out on Halloween to search for the ruins of the haunted McBride House in the woods near his home in Oregon. … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Last Day of October,’ by Phil Hickes, illustrated by Oriol Vidal.
If you are looking for a story which is part Wind in the Willows and part Sherlock Holmes, look no further than this fiendish mystery from the wonderfully-named Charlie Nutbrown. Be sure to read Charlie’s special piece about why he loves animal stories. “Monty the fox has a dream - but that's nothing new. Monty … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Feathered Book,’ by Charlie Nutbrown, cover by Holly Ovenden.
Introducing the sequel to the award-winning ‘The Deepest Breath.’ Written as a verse novel with dual narrators, readers will love this sensitive exploration of LGBTQ+ relationships and starting high school. Meg has also written a special piece for this blog reflecting on her journey from starting ‘The Deepest Breath’ to finishing ‘The Brightest Star’ and … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Brightest Star,’ by Meg Grehan.
We’re back adventuring with Saga after her environmental triumph in ‘Into the Faerie Hill.’ You don’t need to have read this to enjoy Norup’s sequel - The Changeling Child. “Twelve years ago, a child vanished from his cradle. He was never seen nor spoken of again. Saga is desperate to discover what happened - did … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Changeling Child,’ by H.S. Norup, cover by Thy Bui.
The transition from Year 6 into Year 7 is and exciting (and possibly worrying) time in any young person’s life. Luckily, there are so many good books out there which can help guide them through the highs and lows of life as small fish in a big pond. Below is a selection of some that … Continue reading Moving Up (to Secondary School)
Today I’m sharing a brand new middle grade title from the wonderful Susie Bower. Just as magical and intently woven as her previous titles - readers are in for a treat! “A magical kingdom. Four friends. One terrible mistake... In the Land of Magic, four friends live a life filled with wonder. But there's one … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Invisibles,’ by Susie Bower, cover by Thy Bui.
Introducing the final instalment in Pari Thomson’s award-winning Greenwild trilogy. Daisy and her friends have travelled from Kew Gardens, across the oceans, and finally to the Amazon Rainforest in the hopes of rescuing all they hold dear. Make sure you read the exclusive piece from Pari on writing about the environment for young readers! “With … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Greenwild: The Forest in the Sky,’ by Pari Thomson, illustrated by Elisa Paganelli.
Introducing the third title in Baker’s ‘Whistledown Farm’ series, where Ava and the farm’s animal inhabitants move into Summer. One of a cosy collection of farmyard adventures inspired by life on her Chiltern Hills smallholding. “It's summer at Whistledown Farm and there's plenty for Ava to do – from helping to shear the sheep to … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Meeting Meg,’ by Nicola Baker, illustrated by Rachael Dean.
If you’re looking for a way to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, may I recommend the really quite extraordinary ‘Shrapnel Boys.’ “There's a war going on out there, and I'm missing it. When war comes to London in 1939, Ronnie Smith is scared and excited: scared of the bombs that fall at night, … Continue reading ‘Shrapnel Boys,’ by Jenny Pearson, cover by Tom Clohosy Cole.
Today I’m sharing a brand new Narzat adventure and a special piece about the inspiration behind Pertinax the chef. “The legendary Captain Carver and his wicked pirate crew commanded by the GLOM BADGER have arrived in the Jumble Jungle Wood on board their pirate ship THE SHIFTING SHADOW in search of monstrous beasts to capture … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The Narzat and the Shifting Shadow,’ by Luke Marchant, illustrated by Rory Walker.
I have long been an admirer of Martin Impey’s gorgeous illustrations so was thrilled to receive a copy of ‘Blitz’ - his latest title which perfectly captures one family’s struggle to maintain a ‘normal’ day-to-day life in a raid-ravaged London. It was inspired by the childhood stories told to him by his grandparents who lived … Continue reading ‘Blitz One Family’s War,’ by Martin Impey.
Welcome to an absolutely action-packed, heist-filled adventure which will have you gasping at every twist, turn, and betrayal! Make sure you read Eve’s exclusive piece about how she created the setting for her cracking crime adventure. “London, 1951: Clem Fatale, the youngest crook in the city, is on a mission to find her dad. Jimmy Fatale, … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Clem Fatale has Been Betrayed,’ by Eve Wersocki-Morris, illustrated by Honie Beam.
I’m on a bit of a ‘magical adventure’ streak at the moment so ‘School of Fireflies’ was just the ticket. What’s I particularly like about this title is that it has a host of ethnically diverse character which can sometimes be lacking in stories like this. "The grown-ups aren't telling us the whole story, so … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘School for Fireflies,’ by Erica Gomez, cover by Simone Smith.
My first read of 2025 was a new middle grade mystery from BookTrust’s Writer in Residence, Patrice Lawrence. You know that you’re going to get a quality reading experience when you crack open one of Patrice’s novels so I went in with high hopes (especially as other bookish people had said how good it was!) … Continue reading ‘People Like Stars,’ by Patrice Lawrence, cover by Michelle Brackenborough.
Today's my stop on the blog tour for the final instalment of Jennifer's 'Witches' trilogy. If you haven't already read them, make sure you find yourselves copies of 'The October Witches' and 'The November Witches' to read first. You can get to know the characters ahead of time by reading Jennifer's exclusive piece about the … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The December Witches,’ by Jennifer Claessen.
Introducing ‘How to be a Revolutionary,’ a great introduction to the world of politics for middle grade readers wrapped up in a compelling story of blended families, fighting for a cause, and hope. Be sure to read Lucy’s exclusive piece about why she decided to write this wonderful book! “What do you all come here … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘How to be a Revolutionary,’ by Lucy Ann Unwin, cover by Selom Sunu.
Today’s featured book is perfect now that spooky season is well and truly upon us - a haunting portal thriller, partly inspired by the author’s fervent childhood desire to track down the wardrobe which would grant her entry to the magical realm of Narnia. Be sure to read Susan’s special piece about how the Irish … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘The World Between the Rain,’ by Susan Cahill.
My first festive share of the season and it’s an absolute stonker! Introducing ‘Sprouts’ by Sibéal Pounder. Be sure to read Sibéal’s piece about women as festive characters - Mrs Claus and Christmas witches finally get the recognition the deserve! “In the year 4024, there lived a young girl with jet black hair who truly … Continue reading Blog tour: ‘Sprouts,’ by Sibéal Pounder, cover by Sarah Warburton.
Library Girl and Book Boy 